The Philadelphia Phillies got off to a rather “sunny” start to the 2021 MLB season, completing their series sweep of the Atlanta Braves on Sunday in a 2-1 victory.
Zach Efin’s dominant pitching performance led the charge for the Phillies. Efin shut out the Braves through six innings. However, Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud launched the first-pitch curveball into the left-field bleachers in the seventh inning for the Braves’ only run of the game.
Despite a lack of offensive support, Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson was effective in his first start of the season. The Braves 2016 first-round pick allowed 1 run on 4 hits while fanning 7 batters. Anderson’s only earned run, a solo home run, to right field by Phillies catcher Andrew Knapp.
Phillie’s 3rd basemen Alec Bohm would supply the go-ahead hit in the bottom of the 8th inning on a line-drive single to centerfield, scoring first basemen Rhys Hoskins. Hector Noris would get the save in the 9th for the Phillies.
Braves Bats Struggle
Along with Efin, Phillies pitchers Zach Wheeler, and Aaron Nola held the Braves to a mere 3 runs in 3 games, including a 1-hit shut-out on Saturday. The Braves currently have a dismal team batting average of .123, which is the lowest in the MLB.
The Braves’ first 4 batters were held to only 3 hits total in the opening series, going hitless in the latest 2 games. Right Fielder Ronald Acuña Jr., Second Basemen Ozzie Albies, 1st basemen Freddie Freeman, and Left Fielder Marcell Ozuna had a combined batting average of .300 in 2020.
Up Next
The Phillies continue their home-stand with a 3-game series against the New York Mets, starting Monday, April 5 at 7:10 pm.
Before welcoming the Phillies to Atlanta for their home opener, the Braves will travel to Washington D.C for a 3-game stint against the Nationals.
